Linen vs. Cotton: Which Fabric is Better For Summer Wardrobes?
Longer days, balmy afternoons, al fresco dinners…besides making memories, summer also calls for practical wardrobe choices that’ll help you keep your cool. Linen and cotton often come to mind when wondering which cloth is best for summer, and for good reason. Breathable, lightweight and soft, both fabrics are known as ideal warm-weather choices. If you’re wondering which has more benefits, and which is the best fabric for summer, you’re in the perfect place.
First Things First…
what is linen?
Linen is made from the fibers of flax plant, which are separated, combed, spinned, reeled and dried before they become an ultra-soft fabric. Known for its crisp, breathable finish and outstanding longevity, linen is considered one of the best summer fabrics with a rich heritage and sustainable future.
what is cotton?
Cotton is made from the seed coat of cotton plants. A natural fibre often mixed with synthetic materials such as polyester, cotton and cotton-blend clothing is extremely popular thanks to its initial softness and affordability.
The Ultimate Linen vs. Cotton Rundown: Which Fabric is Best for Summer?
Breathability
When it comes to summer wardrobe essentials, breathability is key. Thanks to its hollow, long fiber structure, linen has a breezy finish and offers a generally better airflow than cotton. Alongside the benefits of its natural composition, linen has an open weave (unlike cotton), that provides even more breathability, as well as a draped, relaxed look.
Temperature Regulation
One of the many linen fabric benefits is its moisture-wicking and temperature regulation. Cotton absorbs moisture, often leading to increased heat and more sweat. Linen wicks moisture away, ensuring a constantly cooling effect, dry feel and overall more hygienic finish. As all the best summer fabrics should easily handle the heat, this makes linen simply perfect for lightweight summer clothing.
Strength
Flax fibers are up 30% more enduring than cotton, making linen a clear winner in the cotton vs. linen debate. Although cotton is also durable, its natural stretch and lighter weight mean more fragility, especially if it’s frequently washed.
Softness
Linen gets softer and softer after each wash, while cotton’s initial softness and colour tend to fade with wear. Over time, we believe that linen feels more soothing, comfortable and significantly softer on the skin.
Sustainability
A cotton shirt requires 2,700 liters of water to produce, compared to a linen shirt’s average usage of 6.4 liters. Overall, linen has a lesser environmental impact throughout its lifecycle - from production to fully biodegrading without any excess byproduct.
Comfort
Rising temperatures can cause sensitivities, rashes, allergies and general discomfort, which is why considering different natural summer fabrics is so important. Even though both fabrics are recommended for sensitive skin, linen has hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties cotton lacks.
Cost Per Wear
One of cotton fabric’s properties is its low cost. Cotton is more affordable, yet it’s more fragile and more likely to lose its shade and shade. On the other hand, we like to think of linen as an investment that pays off in the long run. With its lasting softness (that gets better and better over time!) and strength, linen clothing can remain in pristine condition for years and years.
The Linen vs. Cotton Verdict
To answer the question ‘what is the best fabric for summer’?, we say linen, linen, linen. With better strength, breathability and temperature-regulating qualities, linen is the true warm-weather standout.
Your Linen vs. Cotton FAQs
Is linen good for summer?
Absolutely! We confidently recommend linen for warm-weather wardrobes thanks to its naturally light, airy and soothing texture.
Is linen cooler than cotton?
Yes, due to its fiber length and weave, linen is considered significantly cooler than cotton.
What is the difference between linen and cotton?
Because linen is made from flax seeds and cotton is made from cotton, the two fabrics have different levels of durability, softness, breathability and general production processes.
Is linen more breathable than cotton for summer dresses?
Yes! Just like linen is cooler, it’s also more breathable.
The Best Styles For Summer
After finding the best fabric for summer, it’s time to dive into the breeziest silhouettes for all members of the family.
Menswear
Our kurta sets come in summer-ready shades, with buttoned plackets and subtle side slits for better airflow.
Womenswear
Explore relaxed fits and mindful cut-outs that are just as sleek as they are breezy.
Childrenswear
Keep your active little one cool with breathable silhouettes, non-restrictive details and more.
Baby & Toddler
Look after the youngest member of the family with featherweight outfits with bloomers and hats to match.
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